Englewood may OK breweries, distillerie

.John Mueller said he is glad to hear Englewood City Council appeared to be considering approving an amendment to change the city code to permit the establishment of distilleries, breweries and wineries in the city.

The council first discussed the issue at the July 22 study session, passed the proposed amendments on first reading at the Aug. 5 council meeting and set the public hearing for Aug. 19 to gather public comment on the topic.

The council tentatively will vote on the amendments on second and final reading during the Sept. 3 meeting.

Mueller, an Englewood resident, said if he had known about the public hearing he would have attended, because really wants to see the city change the laws prohibiting breweries, distilleries and wineries.

“I think these establishments bring people to the community, and we need to bring potential customers to Englewood,” he said. “Just look at Brews on Broadway, the new brewery. I have been there a couple times and other customers have told me they are making the brewery a destination stop. That’s the kind of attraction we need here in town. I hope the council moves quickly to approve the changes so we get more breweries and even a distillery or two in town.”

The council opened the public hearing and Amy Stosaro, who works and lives in downtown Englewood, was the only individual who chose to testify.

“I am all for this proposal. Brews on Broadway is a great start. I have been there, it is a nice place and it is attracting people to downtown Englewood,” she said. “It is a trend I think the city should allow and encourage.”

Chris Neubecker, senior planner, outlined the proposed amendment to the city council. He said the issue was brought up with the proposal to establish a brewery in downtown Englewood. The business, Brews on Broadway, was given approval to locate in the 3400 block of South Broadway as a conditional use.

Ryan White is already working on establishing his Devil’s Head Distillery on Broadway in Englewood.

“I want to locate on Broadway and I have found a couple of possible locations for my business,” he said. “If I am able to get all the federal permits, I would like to have my distillery open late this year. We plan to distill gin, vodka and aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit similar to gin with a different taste.”

In the council communication, it was noted the planning and zoning commission recommended the council consider an amendment to the unified development code to establish zoning for distilleries, breweries and wineries.